WHAT’S PLANNED:
In 2023 we would like to go on a longer mountain trip again. We have chosen Kyrgyzstan as our destination: we want to ascend the 7,010 meter high Khan Tengri in the Tian Shan Mountains. Khan Tengri is the northernmost 7,000m mountain on earth.
Our route goes up the west flank of the mountain, the easiest / normal route, but climbing this summit is still considered very difficult. We start from the base camp (South Inylchek) at 4,000 meters that we are going to reach by a helicopter from Karkara. We will then spend about 17 days climbing the mountain before returning by the helicopter.
Since the base camp is at an altitude of 4,000 meters, we will do an acclimatization tour beforehand. This should again take place in connection with an LGBTQ+ event. We will drive four days with members of the LGBTQ+ community from Kyrgyzstan to the Terskej-Alatau (mountains) and do a multi-day trekking tour there. This gives us the opportunity to get in touch with queer people from Kyrgyzstan and to learn more about their life there.
When does the trip take place?:
from 15 July 2023 until 08 August 2023 (as planned for now)
How much mountaineering experience should I have?:
Climbing Khan Tengri is difficult. In addition to the altitude of around 7,000 meters, the ascent is also technically demanding. The last stage leads through quite steep rocky terrain. Despite the fixed ropes, you should be able to move safely on rock, ice and firn with crampons. We have experienced mountaineers in the group and participants who have led expeditions themselves. The basic rule is that we all climb the mountain on our own responsibility. Write to us if you have any questions. One of our members has already been on the mountain and can help if you are not sure whether the mountain is doable for you.
Expedition costs:
We are a self-organized group and not a tour operator. This means that we organize the expedition in consultation with the participants and take care of transport, accommodation and everything else on site. For this trip we calculate (Bishkek – Bishkek) total costs of around 3,000 euros/person (excluding flights to/from Kyrgyzstan). As soon as the group has come together, we will open a joint forum in which we will inform about everything.
Who can join the expedition:
Everyone who enjoys mountains, challenges, interesting people and Kyrgyzstan. Precisely because we are on adventure with the “Pink Summits” project, everyone who sees themselves as part of a peaceful and colorful community can join, regardless of whether you are gay, lesbian, bi, transgender, queer, heterosexual. However, for organizational reasons, we limit the number of participants to eight people.
How can I register for the expedition:
Please, click here and register. If you have any questions, email to Dastan [email protected]. We will then get in touch with you and discuss everything else. As soon as our group is full, we will inform everyone.
Credits for the images:
1. Image above: Jaan Künnap – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80948803
3. Image above: Jaan Künnap – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80948261
5. Image above: Bruno Rijsman – trek-ala-kul-lake-29, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=101154461
6. Image above: Bruno Rijsman – Lake Ala Kul Trek (Kyrgyzstan, August 2019) – 92, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=101154092
